My WHY CAN'T I See a Doctor Vent

[tiredsigh]

I went to my orthopaedic surgeon at the very end of January because my joints (hip and knee) were hurting so bad I could barely walk. (I'm in my early 30's so not very common.) After tests, he says it is lupus. That's the second time in 3 years that a doctor has said lupus (elevated blood levels and joint problems when 3 months pregnant with my youngest).

There are a lot of really bad Rheumatologists around here and only 2 recommended ones. I can't get an appointment until June 30th

So I am seeing my internal medicine guy next Tuesday. But he said it wasn't lupus when I was pregnant. I want a rheumatologist!!

Of course, my hip and knee are hurting pretty bad today so I am just kind of down. Why is it so hard to see a doctor?! I have a great urologist for a blader disease that fits me in same day. My internal medicine doc will fit me in if I am sick with any upper respiratory problem same day. Any other specialists I have work me in fast too.

What's the deal I just want someone to help!!

 

[KPeveler]

i am waiting to see drs for a while... i am getting very bad very fast with neuro problems (if you dont fix neuro problems soon, they become permanent), and people say that they can't get me in for 4 months!

I understand your problems! Why do doctors have no sense of urgency!?!?!

 

[tiredsigh]

I'm sorry. It stinks.

 

[KPeveler]

rare disease day is Feb 28th, and I am taking part in a panel addressing a bunch of premed and medical students - so hopefully I will get through to some of them!

 

[bookwormde]

It is easy to see a doctor, seeing a really good doctor is the issue. Hopefully your iternest can help with the symptoms until you can get an appointment. Maybe your doctor pays golf or poker with the specialist that helps (or even better maybe his secratary know the specialist secratary) and you can get "moved up".

I also recommend asking if you can be on "will call" status so if they get a block of cancellations they can call you on last minute notice.

bookwormde

 

[Earstou]

I had to wait 3 months to see my neurosurgeon, who then recommended surgery. So guess what... I had to wait another 3 months for the surgery!!! He was so sought after that he was booked solid for 3 months.

It was really stressful during the last three months waiting and worrying about having surgery. Don't wish that on anyone!

 

[I Love Pluto]

Can your doctor's office get an appointment for you? Maybe they can get one sooner.

Good luck to you.

 

[disfan07]

I competely understand.

I got a reccomendation for an internist back in october....when I called, I could not get an appointment until Feb 8th....so about 3 1/2 months later. Part of the problem is that she is only in her office 2 days a week.

When I saw her on the 8th, she gave me a reccomendation for a neurologist because a CT scan found a cyst in my brain and they cant see me until march 26th.

Luckily, with all of my doctors (6 total), once you're in as a patient, its easy to get appointments

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Having done it both ways, I'd rather have the wait to get in and see someone good and, sadly, those are often the people with the longer wait times. But going to a bad doctor just because they can get you in sooner can cause bigger problems.

I do second the recommendation about calling the office and seeing about getting on the cancellation list. This works best if you have a flexible schedule, but can work even if you don't.

 

[deerhart]

I would ask your internist to at least do some of the blood work prior to the appointment. Otherwise your going to see the doc, have bloodwork ordered and have to come back

 

[D-ko]

I have RA and every rheumatologist I've ever been to EVER .. always had a ridiculous waiting person for new patients ... after that initial consult, you don't have to wait so long